Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Ford Fanatic - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Ford Fanatic - July 3 - 1:03 pm

  This car costs too much for what I will see in my lifetime. Performance was disappointing on purchase, but it has started to show some potential as it breaks in. I only have 500 miles on it, I do plan to upgrade the performance in the future without sacrificing the ability to restore it to original, should some weak person choose to do so. This car is a blast to drive, buts needs a little more power to back up its image. (It does not like to be power shifted). My first car was a 63 Falcon convertible that I "Cobra-ized", and will be with me until I die. This GT-500 has the potential to be just as addictive as my first of my 14 Fords. After 45 years, I still get a smile on my face with Ford.

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  Love it, love it, love it. - 2002 Ford Thunderbird
  By derby - July 3 - 12:45 pm

  A real looker. Haved owned for almost 4 years now and it still turns heads. Not one days problems with it. Love the matching red leather. Kicks it by just tapping on the gas. Miles so low because I do not drive in snow or rain.

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  Best Ever - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Scott - July 3 - 12:21 pm

  Best car I ever owned! Got 33-34 mpg driving 75mph on freeways in Texas. Got up to 40mpg on 2 lane highways doing 55mph.

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  Awesome CUV - 2007 Ford Edge
  By DANA - July 3 - 2:53 am

  Traded in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 for the Ford Edge. Love the looks and style and do not miss my truck like I thought I would. Has a large cargo area and very fun to drive. Not to mention the better gas mileage. I was getting an average of 15 mpg with my dodge ram and according to the digital read-out on my new edge it says avg. 33 mp! So I am assuming I am getting an average of 33 mpg with it, but then again I have only put 233 miles on it. Handles great in the mountains, going up the hills. Very roomy interior and love all the cup holders. The lever to tilt the steering wheel is a little tough to operate, keep hitting my hairclip on the headrest and the speedometer gauge is hard to see.

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  Dependable - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Dependible - July 2 - 5:33 pm

  I love this truck. It has good power and it is a very smooth and quiet cab. While the fuel effeciency is poor at best, the truck is awesome.

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  Poorly Designed AC - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LA - July 2 - 3:30 pm

  I must start by saying I live in South Louisiana. Auto AC is critical for comfort. AC is a must about 340 days out of the year down here. Bought it used w/ 16K miles have about 22K. Purchased in the fall so didnt have the sweltering heat to truely test the AC when purchased. Noticed this summer the AC just wasnt cooling the cab off. Feels cold at the vent. Brought to dealer who said the same thing. Unfortunately, nothing can be done since nothing found (all levels in check). Ill be looking for a trade soon. Overall comfortable. Leather interior is nice. Paneling and rest of interior is just OK. Rides very well for SUV

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  Still Going - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chazmo - July 2 - 11:47 am

  Other reviewers and friends of mine have "knocked" the Ford Explorer but my Explorer has been very good to me. It is a rugged, well-built vehicle that has proven reliable over the years.

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  A very competent vehical - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By Gator Fan - July 2 - 10:46 am

  Our family has enjoyed our Freestyle on trips, and it is not bad around town. It is easy to park. Mileage has been 18 to 20 in town, and 25 to 26 highway.

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  Great Car - 2002 Ford Taurus
  By 2001umich - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I drove many cars - BMW 325i, Acura 3.2TL, Audi A4 1.8T, Lexus IS300/ES300, Volvo S60 2.4T, Toyota Camry XLE, Honda Accord EX V6 and this is probably the best value out of the bunch. This car does about 85% of what the top echelon of the group can do and about 90% of the Camry and Accord. Those cars comparably equipped, cost anywhere from $7000 to $17000 more. City Driving - This car navigates fine in the city. Easy to Parallel Park. Highway Driving - The car is stable on the road up to 100 mph. There is plenty of passing power on the duratec and easily will accelerate to 100 mph in 4th gear. The overall car is pretty noise free.

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  I love this car, dont buy a Civic - 2002 Ford Mustang
  By p-man165 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best new car I have ever owned. Style, good fuel miles, sounds great, not like an electric razor. For a performance car it has a great ride and is comfortable. Standard features are very good. Loads of aftermarket parts to upgrade. With age the Mustang only gets better. Thanks Ford!!